Matt Fender- "If you are a leader that genuinely cares, it will not go unnoticed."

As leaders, we will always be in training. Skills and attributes associated with leadership are not learned overnight, and to be a truly excellent leader, one must be constantly willing to develop themselves even further.

Matt Fender understands this concept, and he is seeing it play out in his own life. With each new opportunity on the College of the Ozarks campus, he is developing his own unique approach to leadership. Now, in the midst of his sophomore year, Matt is stepping into roles once filled by the older student leaders who inspired him.

“One of my favorite things about C of O is the fact that the upperclassmen work so closely with the newer students. They never lord over you or remind you of their status, but instead they really take students under their wings and invest in them. I have been so encouraged by that.”

Growing up in Fair Grove, Missouri, Matt was an energetic young person who excelled academically but enjoyed fun above studies. He was heavily involved in athletics, ranging from baseball to basketball and football. Matt acknowledges the formational influence that sports had in his life. 

“Most of what I know about leadership I learned in the context of sports. My coaches, the older players on the team: they really modeled what it looked like to be an excellent leader.”

Matt remembers one football coach in particular as being especially motivational for his team. Although he was in a position of power, the coach always tried to understand where each person was coming from before criticizing them or their work.

“He had so much passion for his job, and he shared that passion with both the players and his staff. I learned from him that people are motivated in different ways, so if possible, it is always effective to tailor the motivation to who you are working with.”

Matt also credits his older brother Ben as being an inspirational leader. Although they are a few years apart, Matt says that they are still close.

“A lot of younger siblings focus on distinguishing themselves as individuals apart from their older siblings. But for me, I always saw being recognized as Ben’s brother as a complement. I got to see him balance school and leadership opportunities and I think his example really paved the way for me.”

Strong family connections led Matt to College of the Ozarks, but it was his own personal values that connected him to the school.

“My parents both went to C of O, as did my brother, so it seemed like a natural choice. I had heard great things from them and the financial aspect was a plus as well. More than anything though, I felt led there because it was a place that really aligned with my goals, morals, and values.”

With his International Business degree, Matt is hoping to gain knowledge about his future field as well as the world around us.

“Growing up, I loved National Geographic and anything that had to do with international travel. It fascinated me. God has made such an interesting world, and I want to know all that I can about it. That is why my major is so much more than just a major for me. It is a passion.”

A position with the state department would be Matt’s ideal job after graduation, with the hopes of eventually becoming more involved in politics. As for now, he is looking forward to marrying his fiancée Katie.   

“Katie is one of the most forgiving and loving people I have ever known. Everyone messes up and I know that I will never be a flawless leader, but she demonstrates so much grace with me. It really is inspiring.”

Matt is a leader we will certainly be seeing more of in the future. His determination, work ethic, and genuine care for the people in his life make him mature beyond his years. But Matt, with his humble attitude, will be the first to admit that he does not have it all figured out quite yet.

“I am learning new things about myself and the way that I lead all of the time. Where there is an opportunity to lead, there is an opportunity to fail. But how you fail determines how you lead in times of success. I want to be known as a leader who cares for those that I work with; someone who develops people like others have developed me. If you are a leader that genuinely cares, it will not go unnoticed.”